Gosford has secured the right to host an AFC Asian qualifier for the London 2012 Olympic Games when the Qantas Australian U23s plays Iraq U23s on 14 March, Minister for the Central Coast, Chris Hartcher has announced.
(L-R) Kyle Patterson (FFA Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications), Darren Webber (Member for Wyong), Chris Holstein (Member for Gosford), Oliver Bozanic (Qantas Australian U23s Captain), Laurie Maher (Gosford City Council Mayor), Chris Spence (Member for the Entrance)
Gosford has secured the right to host an AFC Asian qualifier for the London 2012 Olympic Games when the Qantas Australian U23s plays Iraq U23s on 14 March, Minister for the Central Coast, Chris Hartcher has announced.
The match is part of the international football package announced by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and Football Federation Australia in August 2011.
The international football package includes two Qantas Australian U23s qualifiers for the London 2012 Olympic Games, one of which is to be played in regional NSW. The first of which was played last November at Parramatta Stadium and the second is to be played at the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.
Mr Hartcher said the announcement that Gosford would host the Qantas Australian U23s v Iraq U23s was a fantastic achievement for the region and an exciting addition to the 2012 NSW Events Calendar.
“This is great news for the Central Coast and reflects the NSW Government-s desire to take international football to as many parts of the State as possible.
“Pending the outcome of other London 2012 qualifiers during February in Australia-s group, the match against Iraq could be crucial to our hopes of London 2012 qualification.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting events in regional NSW as they play an important role in driving tourism and generating economic benefit for the State and local community,” he said.
The area-s local members joined Minister Hartcher-s enthusiasm for the match.
“Central Coast football fans will be keen to support the Australian U23s in large numbers on their qualification pathway to this year-s London Olympic Games,” Member for Wyong, Darren Webber said.
Member for The Entrance Chris Spence said, “it is international events such as these which help place the Central Coast on the event destination map and as a great place to visit.”
Member for Gosford Chris Holstein said Central Coast Stadium is a fitting venue for the qualifier.
“The stadium can hold up to 20,000 spectators and has played host to international rugby union, National Rugby League and Hyundai A-League matches, boxing, motor cross and open-air rock concerts as well as a multitude of local sporting and community events,” he said.
Football Federation Australia Chief Executive Officer Ben Buckley was greatly appreciative of the support from the NSW Government for this match and other football events within the state.
“The support from the NSW Government for these Olympic Games qualification matches and the Qantas Socceroos 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers provides fans with fantastic opportunities for them to support our national teams at top quality stadiums.
“The Central Coast area in particular has a great tradition of supporting our national teams when they have played at Central Coast Stadium, and I-m sure that our upcoming match against Iraq will be no different,” concluded Buckley.
Tickets for the match will go on sale from 9am Friday 3 February from Ticketek with members of the Football Family and registered players receiving a 50 per cent discount when pre-purchasing.
Upcoming Match Details AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2012 London Games - Third Round Uzbekistan v Qantas Australian U23s Jar Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Sunday, 5 February 2012 Kick-off: 8:00pm local (2:00 am AEDT)
International Friendly Match Qantas Australian U23s v Philippines Zabeel Stadium, Dubai Thursday 16 February 2012 Kick-off: 7.30pm local (2:30am AEDT)
AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2012 London Games - Third Round UAE v Qantas Australian U23s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE Wednesday, 22 February 2012 Kick-off: 5:30pm local (00:30am AEDT)
AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2012 London Games - Third Round Qantas Australian U23s v Iraq Central Coast Stadium, Gosford Wednesday, 14 March 2012 Kick-off: 7:30pm Gates Open 6.30pm
Ticket Prices General Public Adult $20.00 Concession/Child $10.00 Family $40.00
Football Family and registered players database pre-purchase price Adult $10.00 Concession/Child $5.00 Family $20.00
On Sale Dates 9am Friday 3 February, 2012
Head to www.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets for details.